Top 5 campus events

When a dozen members of the Westboro Baptist Church arrived in Columbia on Feb. 15 to protest former Missouri football star Michael Sam coming out, they were greeted by approximately 2,000 students and Columbia residents. The peaceful counterprotest, organized by sophomores Alix Carruth and Kelaney Lakers, was aimed at showing support for the NFL-draft prospect. Dubbed “Stand With Sam,” the campus event was the most memorable of the year, proving bonds in the MU community run deep.

2. Drag Shows

MU’s LGBT community celebrated the liberation of sexuality in many ways throughout the academic year, but perhaps none were more memorable than the campus drag shows. From Let’s Get Loud to the Black and Gold drag show, each event showcased students’ individuality and defiance of gender norms. Some students decided to dress up as lavish drag queens, while others dressed up as high femmes, donning sequins, eyeliner and fake eyelashes. No matter the wardrobe, students in campus drag shows proved the LGBT community at MU is loud and proud.

3. RAMS

Rockin’ Against Multiple Sclerosis, in its 22nd year, yet again proved to be one of MU’s most successful philanthropic organizations, raising $65,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Institute of Mid-Missouri. RAMS held a series of memorable campus events throughout the year, from the bowling tournament “Rock ’N’ Bowl” to the variety show “Rock It.” Senior Luke Landolt, one of three RAMS coordinators, told The Maneater in February that the organization wanted to raise more than money this year; it wanted to raise awareness. With the massively successful events it held in 2014, it’s clear RAMS did just that.

4. Vagina Monologues

The 13th annual MU Vagina Monologues received a warm reception from a packed Jesse Auditorium on Feb. 15. Junior Molly Gaia, who performed in a skit called “My Angry Vagina,” told The Maneater in February that the crowd’s energy pushed performers through the liberating episodic play. Written by Eve Ensler, the series of sketches are aimed at raising awareness for issues like sexual violence and sexism. A woman’s sexual pleasure is often seen as taboo, Gaia said, and the MU Vagina Monologues crushed that standard.

5. Dance Marathon

A crowd danced in the MU Student Recreation Complex on March 8 for 13.1 hours, all to raise money for children with life-threatening diseases. In its sixth year, the philanthropic event became one of the largest college dance marathon programs associated with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, according to a Mizzou Dance Marathon news release. On that Saturday in March, it was revealed that $176,290.55 had been raised, beating 2013’s record of $152,402.44. Dance Marathon was undoubtedly a memorable event — 13.1 hours of tutus, glittery leggings and, of course, dancing.